Decolonial Trade Networks: Re-mapping Interdependence Through Non-Western Centrality

Current network studies (e.g., Yazawa & Nam, 2024) use centrality measures that reinforce Western dominance. This research co-designs metrics with Global South scholars—e.g., "South-South cohesion" or "strategic autonomy" indices—using input-output tables (Bulgakov, 2025). It challenges Al-Rodhan’s (2025) "symbiotic realism" by quantifying power asymmetries ignored in IR theories. For BRICS, this could reveal hidden interdependence patterns (e.g., China’s role vs. India’s) in value chains. The novelty is methodological (new metrics) and political (decolonizing data), directly addressing Hassan & Sajjad’s call to "change knowledge production parameters."

References:

1. ANALYSIS OF CONTRIBUTION OF BRICS COUNTRIES IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE FROM THE VOLUME OF ADDED VALUE PERSPECTIVE. Egor P. Bulgakov (2025). EKONOMIKA I UPRAVLENIE: PROBLEMY, RESHENIYA.
2. DECOLONIAL TURN: NEW CHALLENGES TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TRADITIONS. Syed Wajeeh Ul Hassan, F. Sajjad (2023). Journal of contemporary studies.
3. Symbiotic Realism: a transdisciplinary approach to understanding international relations. N. Al‐Rodhan (2025). Frontiers in Political Science.
4. An Interdependence Analysis of the Trade Network of Key Exporting Countries: Focusing on the Asia-Pacific Region (U.S., China, India, Japan, and South Korea). Nobuo Yazawa, Hee-Hyun Nam (2024). International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues.